Who is suitable?

Constraint induced movement therapy is an evidence based rehabilitation technique for the arm and hand that gives meaningful results.

Our CIMT programmes are suitable for:

Ages 18 months and up. Although some research has been carried out successfully on younger ages, we find that the intensity of the programme would be too much for a child under 18 months of age and therefore have set this as our lowest limit.

No upper age limit. There is no upper limit on the age of the child. Improvements can be made no matter how old the child is, or how long ago the neurological event occurred. There are pros and cons of undertaking a CIMT programme at each age range, depending on their developmental level and tolerance to therapy. Your CIMT therapist will be able to provide you with advice as to when the best time may be for your child.

Hemiplegia presentation. Constraint induced movement therapy is a rehabilitation tool for children who have one affected upper limb and one unaffected upper limb. It is not an appropriate treatment when both upper limbs are affected. The child’s mobility does not affect the CIMT programme, or any other complications of their condition. We have worked with children who are not mobile, PEG fed and who cannot verbally communicate.

Some activity in the upper limb. The aim of a CIMT programme is for the child to have a positive experience in using their affected upper limb. Therefore, the child would need to have enough activity in their arm and hand to engage in a therapy session in a positive manner. If the child has no movement at all in any of their shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand, then it is unlikely that they will be able to participate and enjoy the session. Your CIMT therapist will discuss your child’s movement with you during a free telephone consultation prior to any assessments being booked. If they felt the child would not be suitable, alternative treatment options may be suggested.

There are many conditions that can cause a hemiplegic presentation. To find out more information about conditions that CIMT can help, see conditions.

If you are not sure whether your child would be suitable for CIMT, please contact us for a free telephone consultation with one of our specialist therapists who will be able to discuss this with you.

#CIMTFacts

Can you do CIMT one day a week?

Studies keep looking into diluted forms of CIMT. The results are never as substantial as those for 5 days a week intensity, so we stick to the evidence and only offer the programmes in full. For cortical reorganisation to occur you need prolonged focus on the affected limb – can you get that with just one session a week...?